CHAPTER 31

FLY ME TO PARIS


"Parriiii" Dianna joyfully said in the middle of the Command Center, when finally, after more than a day locked inside that room, coming out only after long hours to sleep and shower, they all concluded the same thing: intel suggested that terrorists were planning to shoot down american dignitaries in Paris, during an outdoor event at a hotel, where it would be signed an international agreement between the U.S. and other countries.

"You mean, we're going to Paris" an intern formally corrected Dianna, pronouncing the city with a very american accent. She was a new one, that Dianna had never seen before.

"Yeah, that's what I said. Paris" Dianna repeated the same city, but pronouncing it with a french accent. Obviously, the intern didn't understand the light joke, because it was ok to pronounce it with an american accent, too. But the girl just stared at her, with that 'you're so cringe' blasé look that Gen Z made famous on TikTok.

"Jesus, what a mood" Dianna mumbled, looking to the side. Some of the young new interns were taking themselves a little too seriously, Dianna soon realized.

Davis gestured for the girls to just stop with the ridiculous argument. "Ok, let's call the boys. We need to get to Paris, so briefing in 40 mikes, ok?"

Dianna nodded, and she was feeling great that she'd get to see Jason and go to Paris that same day. She was actually wearing a great outfit that day, and she wanted to make him suffer, just a little bit. Maybe more than a little bit, but he kinda deserved it. It was finally sunny when she woke up that day, so she felt inspired to be extra chic somehow. Like she had a feeling. She was in a great mood, and she didn't understand how that intern and other people could just live life being so serious, feeling miserable and indifferent about everything, all the time. Dianna took her work very seriously, but she also knew that if she acted that serious when she was not actually interrogating or analyzing intel, she'd go crazy.

Davis walked directly to the briefing room, and Dianna was about to sit on her favorite chair.

"Nah. You're standing up next to me girl, you're assisting me on this one" Davis joyfully said, and Dianna thought that was even better, because then her entire outfit would be visible. Davis was not Dianna's superior anymore, now she was her colleague, and Blackburn too. Now she only answered to Captain Lindell and his superiors, and to the CIA. And to the President of the United States and to God, of course. But that was it. Very liberating.

Blackburn came in, then Nick, who quickly said hello to Dianna, because she'd seen him a few days earlier already. Then the guys came into the briefing room, and they all stared at Dianna proudly standing close to Davis, but more to the side. They respectfully checked her out, like relatives tease, and Sonny whistled.

Jason was the last one into the briefing room, and he immediately glanced at Dianna's chair, which had an intern sitting on it. Then he heard a whistle and saw, for his own demise, Dianna standing at the front of the room, right in front of his chair.

Ah, come on. That's just mean.

She was wearing black velvet tall boots, because it was a chilly day, with a gray dress with a prince of wales check pattern, and it ended at the middle of her thighs, a little closer to her knee. The dress had a very low cleavage and no sleeves, but she was wearing a white shirt underneath, and her hair was up, in a chic ponytail. She was almost all covered up, but the dress highlighted her slim figure and followed her curves perfectly, and she had great curves. So, she was sexy as hell, but very chic too. Jason blinked and sat down, resigned to the fact that she'd stand in front of him during the entire briefing, so he turned his chair and face, the most that he could, to the opposite side of where Dianna was standing, to avoid looking at her. Which was the exact opposite of what all the other men in the room were doing. But he wouldn't be able to focus on the briefing otherwise, and he was a man who took his job seriously.

Jason was thinking that it was just bad luck that he spent the entire previous day walking around the Base, trying to 'run into' Dianna, to later finding out that she was practically locked inside the Command Center with Davis' team. So he didn't see her all day, and the day ended with Jason feeling even grumpier and losing his temper with Natalie, after she kept insisting he should follow her healthy meal plan during the week. He had just had his burger with double bacon, dramatically telling her that meat and bacon were some of the only joys he currently had in his life, and he wasn't in a mood for justifying what he was eating.

Davis and Dianna briefed everyone, and Jason heard Dianna's explanation and it sounded really good, she said a lot of things that were important from a tactical point of view. The CIA was requesting that Bravo helped them prevent a shooting against U.S. dignitaries that would be attempted the next day, when the dignitaries would sign an international agreement, at the exterior area of a fancy hotel in Paris.

"Well, as you can see here" Davis showed on the map of the urban area in Paris, right outside the hotel where the event would take place, and Jason had to turn and look to the front of the room, once again, "and here and here" Davis continued, and Jason now, discreetly, had his hand on his face, "these are the exact spots where the dignitaries will stand for photos, shake hands, and then sign the international agreement, and the press will be right in front of them".

After a long brief, at least for Jason, they were all excused, and Jason was ready to make his way out of the briefing room. But he hesitated, because he wanted to see Dianna, and now he didn't need to focus in something other than her.

So now, very aware of the fact that he was a man that took pleasure in his suffering, he lingered in the room, because he knew Dianna would be one of the last ones to leave.

He pretended to be reading a really important document inside a folder, and when he thought everyone had left except for her and some interns, he decided to finally look at her and start a conversation.

"So... Paris, huh" Jason turned his chair to his right, where she was standing this entire time, finally looking up.

Dianna and Nick were at the corner of the room, leaning on a shelf, next to each other, and he was showing her something on his phone. They both looked up when they heard Jason, otherwise they weren't even aware that he was still there. There was only another intern in the room with them.

"What's that, Hayes?" Nick asked, because he didn't hear what Jason said.

Jason felt his heart wither to the size of a peanut. "Oh, nothing. Just mentioned. 'Paris, huh'. I mean... somewhere fancy, for a change"

Dianna nodded, smiling, and Nick agreed. "Yeah man, really fancy. I was just showing Dianna some restaurants there. Even the worst ones look better than others anywhere else".

Jason swallowed, feeling like a third wheel. "Yes, I can imagine. Well… I'll see you in 90 mikes, then".

Dianna and Nick nodded and smiled at him, and continued to talk.


The briefing dictated that the CIA needed the Seals and the rest of the crew to show up to the op wearing clothes fancier than usual, at least a social shirt and khaki or dark pants; anything over that was optional and recommended, but not mandatory. Since he knew that Nick would wear really elegant clothes, Jason suddenly felt the urge to spruce himself up, too.

He ran to his closet to find a fancy shirt he had and loved, that Natalie made him wear not long ago at a restaurant, and he couldn't find it anywhere. So he had to call her.

"Hi, Jace"

"Natalie" he said, not wasting a second, "I can't find my light blue shirt. The fancy one I wore one of these days".

"Oh, why would you need that?"

"Natalie, I can't explain now. I just need it. It's not in my closet, I checked the hangers"

"Well, I don't know, I took some of your things these days"

"What? Why?"

"I told you I'd send your shirt to the laundry, with my things, remember"

"Yes, I remember, but why would it not be here? I got my stuff from the laundry on Saturday"

"Oh, but I picked up your shirt myself. With some other things too"

"Why?"

"So we can get ready here the next time, together. It just seemed easier".

"What the fuck, Natalie. Thanks a lot. Bye"

"Wait, were you called to-"

Jason aggressively finished the call. He told Natalie a hundred times that she should stop changing the places where he kept his food, toiletries, and clothes, and now apparently she was moving things from one house to another, too. She was meddling too much, and he had no idea why the hell would she want to leave his shirt in her place, they didn't have anything fancy scheduled. Or why would he want to get ready at her place. But he couldn't think about that, he had to find another shirt, or something, stat.


Dianna went to her place just to get some clothes and toiletries for that night and the next day, because she would keep wearing her current outfit. She only had it on for three hours, the flight wasn't long, and the CIA needed everyone to arrive all dressed up and fancy at the hotel. But just to be extra french, she put on some red lipstick, dabbing it so it wouldn't look too harsh, just like french women do.

She walked to the gates and it was weird seeing all the guys in shirts and fancy shoes, but it was obviously great. Brock was wearing an amazing light gray suit with white shirt, and Nick actually changed outfit at his place and arrived with a classic dark gray suit with blue shirt. The rest of the guys were in white, blue or black shirts and dark pants, looking amazing. Davis was wearing a navy cocktail dress, and Dianna kept her boots because they had high thin heels, so they were quite fancy. Just a little difficult to walk on the irregular concrete of the plane track. She was slowly making her way, with her suitcase, because the wheels kept locking. Nick waved, gesturing he'd go to her, to help her.

"Here, let me" her suitcase was suddenly picked up by Jason, who was coming from behind her. She knew it was him because of his voice, and his size, but she never saw him dressed like that before.

He was wearing a navy suit with a navy shirt, and aviator sunglasses. She unabashedly checked him out while he walked next to her, carrying her luggage and his own black bag.

"Oh thanks" she said, drooling.

"No problem, ma'am" he answered, opening a wide cute smile to her. She melted and felt the urge to grab her phone and take a picture of him, to make a poster for her bedroom.

They walked a few steps, and Dianna decided to start a conversation, since he was being nice to her lately, and because he was looking too hot to ignore.

"Have you been to Paris before?"

"A few times. Maybe four or five times, don't remember. Always on ops".

"Never toured through the city then? Or made a romantic trip?" Dianna asked, slightly teasing him, but glad that he never took Natalie there.

"No, took a walk around the block at most. Just work, no pleasure. You?" he asked, while checking out Dianna behind his sunglasses, and loving her red lips.

"No, unfortunately. Always wanted to. I'm glad we'll have tonight kind of free to roam around a little bit" she smirked at him, and he nodded, smiling back, and he was about to say something when he was called, and both of them turned to see. They were almost reaching the plane.

It was Natalie, waving at Jason from the gate. He made her a gesture to wait, then he walked faster in front of Dianna, and left her suitcase inside the plane, near the bench, and his bag too. Dianna discreetly lingered at the ramp, hidden, to see why was Natalie there.

He walked fast to Natalie, and they talked for a while. She raised her shoulders and he gesticulated, then she looked at the plane, specifically where Dianna was, and he walked back, distancing from her and going to the plane. Then she called him, because he turned around again and she caressed his chest and smiled, pulling his suit for a kiss. Very romantic. But it was a quick kiss, and he gestured again, a lot. She kept touching his arm, but he took a step back and said something. Then he walked back to the plane. Dianna quickly, but discreetly, walked to the bench near her suitcase, almost sliding her ass there, then crossed her legs and pretended she was calmly there during that whole time.

Jason sat close to her, leaving a few seats empty between them. He sighed and took off his sunglasses. She was pretending to see something at her phone, but noticed, with the corner of her eye, that Jason was looking at her, especially her legs, and was about to say something.

"So" Nick suddenly sat on the other side of Dianna, and she almost yelled at him to get out. "We should decide the best options for tonight".

"Oh I don't know, I haven't really decided what I'd like to do there, yet" Dianna casually said, a little too loud.

"I thought we were going to have dinner somewhere" Nick stated, a little annoyed.

"You were just showing me good places to eat there. I didn't know, I thought you were recommending them. We'll arrive there first and see how everything goes, ok?" Dianna said, also annoyed. Nick crossed his arms and stayed next to her, and Jason was quiet. Dianna waited for the plane to take off, then after half an hour she felt the need to stretch her legs and body, so she made her way to the bathroom. She looked at Nick, he was asleep, and it was good, because then she could discreetly sit elsewhere. He was being extra clingy over the last few days, and she knew why. Then she glanced at Jason, who had his arms crossed, but he was awake. He saw her, but she ignored his look and walked to the bathroom.


Jason was struggling to stay awake, because he had insomnia that night, again, and he was afraid that his panic attacks could be coming back, even though they had never truly disappeared. He planned on talking to Dianna that evening and convincing her to just go for a walk near the hotel, maybe to talk about her training and just catch up with her news. He didn't want her to be angry at him. Maybe they could eat something at some restaurant. And drink some champagne, if she was in a mood. Just casual, friendly things like that. Maybe not completely friendly, but he'd never try to sleep with her, because even though he had a huge fight with Natalie the day before, and just before taking off, at the airport, they didn't officially break up. But Jason had already come to the conclusion that he couldn't be with Natalie if Dianna wanted him, or gave him the slightest impression that she wanted him, at least.

But now that he found out that maybe she'd go out with Nick, in the most romantic city of the world, he felt pressured to talk to her sooner than that.

He suddenly noticed that Dianna was moving, stretching her body, sensually opening her chest, and Jason woke up completely. She walked right in front of him and gazed at him, and he knew that she wanted to talk.

He waited a couple of minutes, then he casually walked to the bathroom where he saw Dianna get in, waiting outside, in that small gloomy room, so they could have that talk. Or maybe make out. He was hoping for the last scenario, but just in case, he didn't knock on the bathroom door and just waited outside, nervous.

Dianna stepped out of the bathroom and right in front of her, Jason was leaning on a shelf, and got up. "Hum... hi" she shyly said, opening the door of the bathroom completely, so he could go in. But he stayed outside.

"Look" he started, "I just want to clear things out". He sounded sincere, and Dianna was caught off guard by his resolve. She came closer to him.

Jason swallowed, and continued. "When I saw you before you left, I was a bit suspicious of you, because I really couldn't understand why you just refused to sign some papers. I swear to you, I really am that dumb and it never crossed my mind that you were going because of something classified. I mean, my clearance goes way, way high" he cockily gestured, but he wasn't lying, "and I'd never imagine you'd be training for the CIA, undercover".

Dianna breathed in, registering his words, because there were a lot of them.

"Well… you're right. I mean, Davis wasn't angry at me for leaving, she said she had a feeling that I wouldn't just do that to her. That's why we kept in touch" she stated, and as soon as her words came out, she realized that what Jason did to her was worse than she had realized at first.

Jason was really ashamed. "I know, but again, she's obviously smarter than me" he slightly smiled, "and you were, you know, hurting my feelings, and also my pride, I admit, when you refused to sign the forms".

"Yes, because I couldn't" Dianna stated, annoyed. "I told you that".

"Yes, you did-"

"I confessed to you that I wanted to be with you, Jason" she felt her lips trembling, so she licked them, "and you still didn't believe me". She felt very hurt by that, and again, as she said those words, she realized that he hurt her a lot deeper than what she had let herself believe.

Jason now was gesturing a lot, feeling guilty all over again. "Yes, you did, u-hum. It's just that, there's something else that you don't know".

Dianna's lips were finally under control now, and she was curious. "What is it?"

He came closer to her. "It's just that, after you left, Ray told me that he saw you and Nick, together, at the balcony. Right after Christmas. Talking close to each other, and he touched your arm and things like that. And he heard when Nick said to you that he couldn't wait for you forever, and that you had to choose between me and him. And that you said you couldn't decide that, at that moment, because you were busy with interrogations". He made sure he repeated what Ray told him, almost word by word.

Dianna stared, registering his words, again. Then her expression changed from hurt to annoyed.

"We talked on Christmas Eve. I mean, about serious stuff, Jason. Two days before I was at the balcony with Nick" she pointed to the floor, remembering their conversation, "I told you about my panic attack, and how I felt about it".

"Yes, I remember, but even so-"

"I never told anyone about that Jason, like, explaining why it happened and how, only to you and my shrink" she stated.

His chin dropped, because she told him so casually that he thought she told that to a lot of people. "I didn't know. I'm sorry"

"And after that conversation, you and I flirted for days, and you took me out on a date, and I had sex with you, twice. And I asked you if you'd miss me, and I told you that I'd miss you" her lips were trembling again, but she still had an annoyed tone in her voice.

"Yes, and that's another reason why it really hurt me when you didn't sign the forms, Dianna" Jason now was raising his voice, indignant.

"You don't get to be angry, here" she suddenly raised her voice too, "because from what you said so far, you preferred to believe that I was sleeping around than to just take my word".

Jason's mind went blank, and it took him a while to gather his thoughts. "No. Like I said, you were refusing to sign the forms, and you were trying to decide between me and Nick, that was my view of it, at that point" he pointed to the floor.

"Did you even think about what Ray saw? For maybe, I don't know, a day? Before jumping to conclusions".

"Of course I did", Jason lied. He decided to hate Dianna the moment that Ray told him what he saw.

"You're lying. You could have easily figured out that he was recruiting me at that point. You're an asshole, Jason" she dangerously said, and his face twitched, but she came closer, because she knew she would speak a lot now. She'd shower him with guilt, and she didn't care.

"Because I told you that I couldn't sign the forms, but I wanted to, and I asked you to trust me, and I confessed that I wanted to be with you. And after all the things that happened between us, and you witnessed one of the worst moments of my life" she whispered, "When a CIA agent and top recruiter comes to our team and is always next to me, then after weeks he asks me to choose between him or you, and I tell him I was busy with my work, still, Jason" she raised her finger up, dramatically, but now she had a sad expression, "still. You didn't think of any other possibility. You just thought of me as some manipulative slutty bitch that was toying with your heart".

Jason had his eyes filled with tears, and his heart filled with guilt. He didn't remember a time when he felt guiltier than now. Or more ashamed of what he thought about someone, so he had no words.

Dianna dried one of the tears that rolled down her face, and stared at him. "You know, when I came back I really wanted to apologize for disappearing, and wanted to explain to you that I left because it was my dream job, and make emends. I was ready to ask for an apology, Jason" more tears rolled down her face, and now tears rolled down his face, too. "But now I see that I was being pathetic, because I didn't do anything wrong. And if I handled it in a wrong way, and you were mad at me for that, it'd be ok. But it wasn't like that, was it? From the way you were trying to make me jealous, even after you knew what happened. You thought I deserved it. You hated me, during all those months" and Jason opened his mouth to speak, but she didn't let him. "I don't want to know, Jason. How bad you felt, or feel now. Because you caused that to yourself, when you chose to not trust me. Obviously, I was wrong when I thought that you felt the same as I did".

Then she took her rose gold ring off her hand, that Jason gave to her on her birthday, and put it on his hand.

"No. It was a gift" Jason finally said, with a shaky voice, and holding her wrist to put the ring back inside her hand. He was desperate.

She took the ring and put it on a shelf. "I don't want it. I don't want the reminder". And she left.


Jason tried to stop the tears from falling, putting his hand on his eyes, but he wasn't able, because he was shaking from head to toe. He truly felt like he was going to have a panic attack, so he grabbed the ring on the shelf, put it in his pocket, then went into the bathroom, where he stayed, locked, until the plane landed.


Dianna wasn't in a mood for seeing anyone, especially since there were tears that still kept rolling down her face, and she knew the guys would only collect their gear when the plane arrived at the airport, so she stayed inside that room, silently sat on an uncomfortable bench, waiting for her tears to stop coming, until the flight was over.

.